Canon has finally launched a 4k mirrorless camera – EOS M50 with Ultra HD 4K video. Canon has been a laggard in the 4k space with Sony and Panasonic already offering the features for the past couple of years now.
Priced at $780/£540, the M50 is Cannon’s “entry-level” M-series camera. This new camera also hints that Canon would refresh the rest of its lineup soon. The EOS M50 comes loaded with the DIGIC 8 processor and 24.1Megapixel. The APS-C model can record 3,840 x 2,160 video at 24 fps, or 1080p video at 60 fps.
Further, the camera features Dual Pixel phase-detection AF, a vari-angle, and flippable touchscreen. Other features include 120 fps slow-motion video, silent shooting mode and Wifi Bluetooth along with NFC connectivity. With the help of the Digic 8 processor, the M50 can save the raw images with a .CR3 file extension. So, Canon has now disposed of the M-Raw and S-Raw options.
The Canon EOS M50 draws a similarity to the high-end DSLR-like M5 rather than the M10 and M100 models, notes Engadget. However, it addresses the shortcomings of the M5. Unlike the cheap build of the M5 with a lot of plastics used, M50 used more cohesive material. Another shortcoming of the M5 was that the screen only flipped out and down, but the M50’s screen can flip around 180 degrees.
Further, Canon has loaded the M50 with a built-in viewfinder similar to M5, which is both sharp and small. Touch and drag features are also similar to the M5, and can be used for moving autofocus points around, notes The Verge.
According to Canon, the features added to the M50 are based on feedback from the current users. Features such as an electronic viewfinder, flexible touch-screen and touch-and-drag focus on the LCD were the most request requests from the users. The company also stated that the M50 is capable of transferring a photo from camera to mobile device and vice versa, but only the JPEGs. Further, the technology Image Transfer Utility II would enable users to transfer the file to the computer without going through the Canon Image Gateway.
On the price front, the M50 would be more expensive than the M6 but cheaper than the M100. The Canon M50 would be priced at $780 for the body, and $900 for the kit with the 15-45mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM lens or $1,250 for a dual-lens kit. The camera is slated to ship in April.
In addition to the M50, Canon also introduced the entry-level DSLR – the Rebel T7. The new camera enables clicking pictures with “Scene Intelligent” and auto mode. Also, users can easily share the clicked snaps on social platforms through WiFi and NFC. Other specifications include 9-point phase-detection autofocus, 3fps burst shooting speed and 1,920 x 1,080, 30fps video. Canon will start shipping the camera in April, and it would only be sold as a kit with the EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens for $550.
In a press release, Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc said: “Our core goal when developing new entry-level interchangeable lens cameras for our consumers is to meld high-quality features and usability together. In listening to our customers, we believe we have achieved this goal with both the EOS M50 and EOS Rebel T7. ”
